Our Clinical Perspective

Underwater Treadmill
For Dogs

A popular rehab tool — often misunderstood and overused.

Progressive Loading

Why We Don’t Rely on It

Real recovery requires strength, control, and progression.

Abnormal Gait

Poor movement shouldn’t be reinforced.

Correct Movement First

Individualized Rehab

No two dogs recover the same way.

Underwater Treadmill For Dogs

A common treatment used in canine rehabilitation for dogs with arthritis or recovering from surgery is the use of an underwater treadmill. The premise of the underwater treadmill is that the buoyancy of the water decreases the effects of gravity and assists with gait training. Water height can be adjusted relative to the patient—the higher the water level, the less body weight the dog must bear.

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Progressive Loading & Reality of Recovery

While underwater treadmills may be beneficial in a minority of cases, the reality is that they are vastly over-used in canine rehabilitation. Most dogs recover better from injury or surgery without relying on an underwater treadmill as the primary component of their rehabilitation program.

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Why We Don’t Rely on the Underwater Treadmill

At TheK9PT, we believe rehabilitation is more than just one piece of equipment. While the underwater treadmill is popular in some clinics, it represents only a small part of a much bigger puzzle. Our approach goes beyond machines—it’s centered on personalized, hands-on care tailored to each dog’s needs.

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Pitfall #1 – Strength Can’t Be Built on a Treadmill Alone

Many clinics claim the underwater treadmill builds strength, but true strength requires progressive loading—similar to how humans gain muscle through resistance training at the gym. Walking on a treadmill alone cannot provide the same strength-building benefits.

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Dogs Hit a Plateau — And Risk Injury

Underwater treadmills may help initially, especially for very weak dogs. However, without variation and progression, dogs quickly hit a plateau. Repetitive treadmill walking can also lead to overuse injuries, ultimately slowing long-term recovery.

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Pitfall #2 – Reinforcing Abnormal Movement

An abnormal gait needs to be corrected—not reinforced. Many treadmill- based programs unknowingly build endurance around poor movement patterns, which can contribute to long-term mobility issues and compensations.

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Real Rehab Is Never One-Size-Fits-All

We’re not anti-treadmill—we’re pro-custom care. The underwater treadmill can be helpful in specific cases, but it is not a magic solution for every dog. Effective rehabilitation requires individualized planning, progressive exercise, and movement quality above all else.

Visit Our Chicago Clinic

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TheK9PT is Chicago’s top-rated dog physical therapy clinic, established in 2017 with a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2020.

Our fear-free, positive reinforcement approach ensures every dog has their own private treatment room — free from contact with other dogs. We focus on comfort, trust, and individualized care.

Conveniently located in the Mayfair / Irving Park neighborhood, just half a mile from I-94, our clinic is easily accessible throughout Chicagoland.

We offer FREE on-site parking with two exclusive spots directly in front of the clinic, and our team is always happy to assist with your pet’s entry or exit if needed.

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